Regular City Council meetings are held on the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays of each month. City Council Work Sessions are held on the 2nd Tuesday of each month. Both Regular Meetings and Work Sessions begin at 6:00 PM, unless a special meeting is called. Special meetings will be posted in advance.

If you have an issue with Charter Communications that you are having trouble resolving, you can fill out a customer concern form, and the City will get in contact with Charter. However, it is best to resolve your issue with Charter directly before asking the City to get involved. Customer Concern Form

You can contact the City if you have an issue that you are unable to resolve with Charter Communications directly. However, all attempts should be made to work out your problem with them directly before the City gets involved.

The Arena is located at 1280 Bollenbacher Dr., just off Highway 3 south to the west. Going south, take a right on Jefferson Parkway, go one block and take left turn onto Bollenbacher Dr. The arena will be on your right. Map

Yes, please call the arena at 645-3017 or email Allison.Watkins@ci.northfield.mn.us for available dates and times. The charge is $145/hour for tax exempt groups and $155 for non-exempt renters during non-primetime hours.

Yes - almost any event can be held on the dry-land floor. The Arena has hosted the Hospital Book Fair, the Jesse James Craft Show, the Home and Garden Show and Piccadilly Circus as well as lacrosse and soccer practices, roller hockey and dry-land training for hockey players.

The State Building Code requires permits to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish or change occupancy of a building.

In general, a permit is required for most construction projects where something is being built, repaired, replaced, or remodeled. The best way to find out if you need a permit is to contact Building Inspections at (507) 507-3004. Discuss your plans with an inspector before you begin construction to determine needed permits. Permits are usually required for the following: New Buildings; Additions (bedroom, bathroom, basement finish, family room); Residential Work (deck, porch, garage, fence, fireplace, pool, water heater, water softener, furnace replacement); Renovations (garage conversion, basement finish, kitchen expansion, siding, roofing); Electrical; Plumbing Systems; HVAC/Mechanical Systems (heating, ventilating, and air conditioning systems).

Typically the answer is yes as long as the property owner lives in the home. If the homeowner hires someone to do work, that person must be a licensed contractor for residential properties. Check to see if a permit is required for the work being done by contacting the Building Inspections Office for help to determine if work requires a permit or if special conditions apply to your project.

Electrical Inspections in Northfield are performed by the State of Minnesota. For information contact: Randy Edel, State Electrical Inspector , at 507-334-3748.

Complete a building permit application and submit it with all required submittal documents. The type of work you are doing will determine the required submittal documents. Allow five days for residential permits and ten days for commercial permits for review of your building plans before beginning your project. If your commercial project is large or your submittal documents require corrections, it may take longer. When the review is complete, you will be contacted with the fee total.

The State Building Code specifically exempts 14 items. The main ones are buildings 120 s.f. or less, fences not over six feet high, retaining walls not over four feet high from footing to top of wall, painting, tiling, cabinets, finish work, swing sets, playground equipment,etc.

Inspections are performed to check for building code compliance. A record inspection card is issued with the building permit and is required to be posted on the job site. This card should list the required inspections and indicates what inspections have been completed and approved. Do not cover work that may need inspection. If you have questions, contact Building Inspections at (507) 645-3004.

The Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry establishes the rules for licensing of residential contractors. Typically all work performed for a homeowner must be by a Licensed Contractor. Please see Construction Codes and Licensing Division at the Department of Labor and Industry or call (651) 284-5065.

Typically a shed or detached garage can be placed on lots. Building permits may be required. For further information on placement, size, and code information, contact the Building Inspections Office at 507-645-3004 or go to City Services/Building Inspections on the website.

Most newly developed lots should have a surveying pin at the corners of the lot. These ½ inch round pipes are typically buried in the ground and you may need a metal detector to locate. The metal pipe may have a cap with the surveyor’s information on it. These pipes shall not be moved or removed. Contact the Community Development Office at 507-645-3059 for additional information.

Flags and paint markings are utilized to identify the location of underground utilities. State law requires that utilities are located through the Gopher State One Call system prior to excavation activities to help avoid damage and accidents caused by striking the buried lines. These activities could include repair of sewer and water services, damaged cable, or phone lines, or even installation of new utility lines. These markings will also appear if a property owner in the area is making an improvement to their property such as the installation of landscaping walls or a pool. Two days before doing any digging in your yard it is required by State law to contact:

A right of way is the publicly owned area in a development or neighborhood. Rights of way are important for the installation and maintenance of streets and private and public utilities, including electrical, phone, sewer and water, and storm sewer lines. A common misconception is that the homeowner’s or business owner’s property line goes right up to the curb. It does not. The public owns a certain amount of the land behind the curb (right of way) that extends into the residential or business property line. The size of the right of way is not the same for every property. The right of way area behind the curb is also used for snow storage when the city plows streets. The city administers the use of this area through a permitting process. Contact City Engineering office at (507) 645-3020 for further assistance.

An easement is a right the property owner has given to another person or entity to utilize land that the person or entity does not own. Easements can be used for roads, water and sewer lines, drainage, and ponding, or be utilized by private utility companies for the right to bury cables or access utility lines. Typically, easements are either included as part of the original plat of the property or have been established through negotiation with a property owner. The easement stays in effect until the easement is no longer needed and is legally vacated. If the property is bought and sold, the easement remains in effect. Almost every property platted in the last 20 years has an easement of some form on it. The most common form of easement in a residential area is a drainage and utility easement. This easement is normally 5 to 20 feet wide and runs on all sides of a property.

Typically a fence can be placed on lots. Typically six feet heights are maximum in residential rear lots and four feet in residential side yards. More information on placement, size, and code information can be found in the Land Development Code in Article 3, Section 3.3.1, Fencing and Walls:

Any time that digging is done on any property within the state, Minnesota Law requires that Gopher State One Call be contacted 48 hours before you plan to dig to identify if there are any utilities buried on the property. • This service is free to the property owner.• It is the responsibility of the property owner to conduct excavation in a careful and prudent manner. Never assume the depth of a utility or that the depth of the utilities is consistent. • Watch for private utilities such as sprinklers, power lines to garage or out buildings, propane gas lines, gas grill lines or invisible fencing as these will not be located by Gopher State One Call.Gopher State One Call

In summary, the City ordinances recognize that if uses or structures or activities cause blight or blighting conditions described in this article are allowed to exist, undesirable neighborhoods and harm to the welfare, health and safety of the public may occur. No person shall maintain or permit to be maintained any causes of blight or blighting factors upon any property. The following are considered blight: (1) With the exception of a permitted junkyard or salvage yard, the storage or accumulation of junk or other refuse shall not be kept outside of an enclosed structure. Building materials may be kept outside of an enclosed structure for a maximum of 30 days following the expiration of a building permit for which such material has been acquired. For purposes of this subsection, the term "junk" is defined as any material or substance which does not serve, nor is it intended to serve, any useful purpose or the purpose for which it was originally intended. Junk is considered to include but not be limited to refuse, empty cans, bottles, debris, brush used furniture and appliances, and so forth. (2) In any area the existence of a structure which, because of fire, wind, natural disaster, or physical deterioration, is no longer suitable as a dwelling, nor useful for any other purpose for which it was intended, is prohibited. (3) In any area zoned for residential purposes, the existence of a vacant dwelling, garage, or other outbuilding, unless such building is kept securely locked, the windows are kept glazed or neatly boarded up, and is otherwise protected to prevent entrance thereto by vandals, is prohibited. (4) In any area, the storage of junk automobiles is prohibited. For the purpose of this subsection, the term "junk automobile" shall include any motor vehicle, part of a motor vehicle, or former motor vehicle, stored in the open, which is not currently licensed for use upon the highways of the state and is either: a. Unusable or inoperable because of lack of or defects in component parts;b. Unusable or inoperable because of damage from collision, deterioration, or having been cannibalized;c. Beyond repair and therefore not intended for future use as a motor vehicle; ord. Being retained on the property for possible use of salvageable parts.

During the winter it is up to each property owner to clear public sidewalks of snow and ice. City ordinance requires owners or occupants to clean the sidewalks abutting the property of snow and loose or melting ice within twelve hours after snow or ice has ceased. This is necessary to ensure the safety of people using the sidewalks during the winter. Some things to remember:DO:• Remove snow and ice from your sidewalks and intersection handicap ramps abutting your property with 12 hours of snowfall ending.• Clear snow the width of the sidewalk. Remember that sidewalks are used by strollers and wheelchairs in the winter.• Remove ice to bare pavement or make as level as possible and treat with sand, salt or similar material.• Clear any snow that may be blocking a handicapped ramp, fire hydrant, or catch basin.DON’T:• Shovel or plow snow into the street or across the street, Violators caught shovelling snow from private property into the street will be fined.• Overexert yourself while shovelling. Excessive strain from the cold and hard labor may cause heart attacks.

SIGNS - real estate, garage sale, and contractor signs placed on city right-of ways. (City staff collect hundreds of signs each year and deliver them to the Street Division at 1710 Riverview Drive at the rear of the building). GARAGE SALES - garage sales are limited to three (3) consecutive days and not to exceed three (3) events per calendar year, per residence. PARKING - motor vehicles parked on the street from 3 am to 6 am when space is available in the driveway. Parking on grass or lawn is prohibited. GARBAGE CANS - containers must be stored inside a building or screened area or behind the front line of the principle building. ABANDONED or JUNK VEHICLES - inoperable automobiles on private property for 90 days or more and have expired license tabs. BLIGHT: PUBLIC NUISANCES - examples include accumulation of debris/junk/pet feces and obstruction of public sidewalks and/or streets by tree limbs, bushes, building materials, vehicles, etc. PROPERTY MAINTENANCE - buildings, structures and accessory structures not maintained in good repair.WEEDS: Lawns that are more than 12” in height or contain noxious weeds must be mowed.RIGHT OF WAY: Weed, grass, plantings may not exceed 30 inches in the City right of way. Trees in the right of way must be trimmed to a minimum height of eight feet. This is a visibility, safety requirement.

From our Home Page, click on the "Receive Updates" button. The button will take you to "Notify Me". Notify Me allows community members the ability to sign up and receive timely updates on topics of interest.

Become a new user by setting up a login. You can receive notifications by email or text message.

From the Home Page, click on "Report A Concern". The Report A Concern feature on the City of Northfield website is checked Monday - Friday 8am - 5pm except holidays. It allows community members the ability to report a concern to Administration, Building Inspections/Code Enforcement, Police and Public Works Departments.

Yes, each job posting has a closing date listed on the position description. All applications must be received by 4:00pm on the posted close date unless otherwise specified. Once a position closes, it will be removed from the website and applications will no longer be accepted.

No. Once a closing date for a position has passed, no applications will be accepted or considered. Please continue to check the Job Opportunities section of the website, or sign up under "Notify Me" to be alerted when a new job has been posted.

The minimum qualifications and supplemental questions are listed in the job posting. Your application will be reviewed, along with any other materials required on the job posting, to determine whether you meet these qualifications. Your education and experience, licenses, certificates, and special skills will be reviewed. If all the information is not provided, you may be considered unqualified or less qualified than other applicants.

You will be contacted by the Human Resources Department. If you are selected for an interview, Human Resources staff will call you. If not, you will be notified in writing. Be sure to check the email address you provided with your application, as notifications could come via USPS or email.

The City does not keep resumes on file to use for future use. To be considered for a position, you must complete a city application for the specified job. If you would like to attach your resume to the application to give us more background on yourself, that is acceptable.

The library’s address is 210 Washington Street. The library is located on Third Street between Division and Washington Streets. The after-hours book drop is located next to the main door on Washington Street.

Your Northfield Library card is immediately valid at all SELCO (Southeastern Libraries Cooperating) libraries, except Rochester. Your card is also good at most public libraries in Minnesota but must be registered in each computer system (including Rochester).Find other SELCO libraries

If you live within 15 miles of Northfield, you may also use the Carleton and St. Olaf College libraries. This will require registering for a separate library card at one of the colleges. Search the St. Olaf/Carleton College catalog,

You can use your library card online to renew materials you have checked out, place or delete requests, and use many different electronic resources from our e-library. You can also use it to check materials out from most other public libraries in Minnesota.

Any book checked out from a SELCO library may be returned here, and it will be checked in immediately. Books from other libraries (including Dakota County libraries) should be returned where you borrowed them. However, if you return them here, they should eventually make it back to their home library, but they will not be checked in until that time. You may get reminder notices and late fees.

No, we wish we did! These are available only at metropolitan area libraries (MELSA). However, you may take your card to a MELSA library (the nearest are in Farmington and Lakeville) and check out a pass there. These are in high demand, however, and may not be reserved. Dakota County Libraries - Locations

The mission of the Municipal Liquor Store is to serve the community by promoting the moderate and responsible use of alcohol through controlled sales and education, while operating an efficient, convenient, and profitable enterprise.

In order for a criminal to carry out their act they need the opportunity to commit the crime. Remove the opportunity and it becomes much more difficult for the criminal to make you their victim.

The Northfield Police Department is asking citizens to help reduce theft from vehicles by taking these prevention measures:

Always lock your vehicle doors even in your own driveway. Do not leave valuables in your car. Lock them in your trunk or take them inside. If you have a garage, use it, and keep it locked. Always park in a well-lighted area. Never leave keys in your vehicle. Report thefts and any suspicious activity immediately to the police by calling 9-1-1.

Remember that Crime affects everyone. By working together we can reduce crime in our community!

Animal ImpoundAny stray dogs and cats will be impounded at Countryside Animal Hospital at 708 Schilling Drive in Dundas. All impound fees must be paid at the Northfield Police Department during regular business hours (Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.) before an animal can be released from impound. Proof of current rabies vaccination is also required before an animal can be released

Northfield lies in two counties. If you receive a Rice County citation, you must go to the Rice County Courthouse in Faribault, Minnesota. If you receive a Dakota County citation, you must travel to one of the Dakota County facilities. The county seat in Dakota County is Hastings, Minnesota. The county identification will be displayed in the area where the court date and court house location is listed on the citation.

Solicitor's permits may be obtained at the Northfield Police Department, 1615 Riverview Drive, in Northfield Monday through Friday from 8am to 5pm. There is a fee structure and the process requires a background check and takes several days. You may obtain additional information by calling our administrative offices at the non-emergency police number, 507-645-4475.

General police reports may be obtained at the Northfield Police Department. There will be a fee for copies and you may want to call ahead to make sure the report is ready. You can call 507-645-4477, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday for additional information.

Burn permit applications may be obtained at the Northfield Area Fire and Rescue Services. The permits must be approved by the Fire Chief prior to use and this might take several days. There is a fee for this permit. Please visit Northfield Area Fire and Rescue Service

If you are outdoors, seek shelter immediately. If you are in a suitable shelter, turn on your television, radio or NOAA weather radio to get the latest information and instructions. Locally you can tune to KYMN 1080 AM. In the evening, when KYMN is off the air, you can go to kymnradio.net where they stream live weather updates.

Awareness of the sirens and what they mean is a critical piece to gaining knowledge of the emergency incident. First of all, sirens are only meant to be heard outdoors where people may not have access to media outlets such as TV, radio and NOAA weather radios.

If people are indoors, they need to rely on those media sources to get information about the current situation be it weather or some other emergency. The sirens indicate that something is happening that the public needs to be aware of. It is the public’s responsibility to find out what action they need to take. We should not assume that sirens only sound for weather events and on each Wednesday of the month.

How do I know when the event is over?In a weather event, the National Weather Service (NWS) issues watches and warnings with an expiration time. The NWS can choose to cancel, extend or let the watch/warning expire. In the event the watch/warning is extended, a new expiration time will be included in the information.

In a non-weather event, information about the event and instructions would be available through local media outlets.

There is no “All Clear” siren or signal. In a weather event when a watch/warning expires, you must determine based on observations and information if it is safe to leave your place of shelter.

How is it determined if the sirens are activated?The National Weather Service, trained Skywarn Spotters or any local public safety official determines if there is a weather threat, and if sirens should be activated. Sirens will be activated in the case of a Tornado Warning – either radar indicated or reports from trained spotters. If high winds are reported – typically exceeding the severe thunderstorm warning threshold of 58 MPH or greater the sirens may be activated.In the case of non-weather emergencies local public safety officials determine the need to activate the outdoor warning system.

Who sounds the sirens?Pearl Street 911 Dispatch Center (dispatches public safety for Rice and Steele County including Northfield) has the primary responsibility to sound all sirens in the county. Pearl Street has overall operations policies and guidelines which provide direction and guidance for warning system activation. Northfield Emergency Operations can also activate the local outdoor warning system if needed.

Siren TestingSirens within the City of Northfield are tested on a weekly basis year round to maintain readiness.

On the First (1st) Wednesday of each month, at approximately 1:00 PM, sirens will activate and reach full volume. Two siren tones are tested steady and wail. The monthly test lasts approximately 5-8 minutes. This first Wednesday of the month test is initialized by the Pearl Street 911 Dispatch Center.

On the 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th Wednesday of each month at 1:00 PM, a “growl test” is performed. During a "growl test," the siren is sounded at a very low volume to ensure it and all the associated hardware and monitoring equipment is in working order. People in close proximity to the siren will probably hear the growl test and see the siren rotate. The sirens will not reach full volume during a “growl test.” Total test time is approximately 15-30 seconds with the siren sounding for approximately 2 seconds. These tests are initialized locally, not from Pearl Street 911 Dispatch.

Siren testing may be postponed or canceled if severe weather conditions are currently present or imminent in the area.The City of Northfield has a plan for notifying citizens of critical situations affecting the community, such as severe weather conditions, bio-terrorism attacks, evacuation orders, boil-water notices and missing child reports.

Alerts will be broadcast via an outdoor siren warning system, local media outlets and as an alert on the City’s web site.

The City of Northfield has a Stormwater Management Plan in place. To speak to someone regarding your concerns please call our City Engineers Office at 507-645-3020. Floodplain Map copies may be viewed at the following link Flood Zone Map

The City, in partnership with the local refuse company, conducts an annual spring clean-up. This year the clean-up dates will be May 5, 2018 and May 12, 2018 from 7am - 11am. Acceptable Items may be brought to the Northfield Maintenance Shop at 1710 Riverview Drive.

The City has an Ice/Snow Control Policy. Is assists the Public Works Department during ice/snow storms. Major arterials and areas around schools are treated first. Collector and residential streets with steep hills are next. The remainder of the neighborhood streets are treated as time allows and depending on the severity of the storm.

Yes. The City has an agreement with the Community Services Division of the Northfield Public Schools to provide recreation programs. The Northfield Hospital supports these programs with a financial contribution to the City. Find and/or register for a recreation program.

The City of Northfield has a Rental Program for any residential home that is rented. The Rental Ordinance specifies that certain areas in the City can have no more than 20% of the block as rental property. Please check with the Building Inspections Office at 507-645-3004 to determine if a home is allowed to be rented. Rental Program

If the compaint is regarding safety items in the rental unit, the first step is to contact the landlord and allow for adequate time for any repairs or corrections to be made. If after a reasonable amount of time the landlord has not responded, please contact the Building Inspections Division at 507-645-3004. The City cannot assist with issues regarding the rental lease or non-safety items. If there is any doubt of whether it is a safety issue, please contact the Building Inspections Division.Rental Program